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Pakistani foreign relations

India-Pakistan Relations: Era of Uninterrupted Talks Ends, Says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that the era of uninterrupted talks with Pakistan is over, emphasizing India's policy of not engaging until Pakistan takes irreversible action on terrorism. This comes as Pakistan has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the SCO heads of government meeting in Islamabad in October, marking the first such invitation since Islamabad's abortive bid to host the SAARC summit in 2016. Jaishankar has also emphasized that India is not passive and will react to events, whether they take a positive or negative direction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The era of uninterrupted talks with Pakistan is over, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
  • Pakistan has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the SCO heads of government meeting in Islamabad in October, the first such invitation since 2016.
  • India's policy is to not engage with Pakistan until it takes irreversible action on terrorism.
  • The last time an Indian foreign minister visited Pakistan was in 2015, which was followed by the Pathankot airbase attack.
  • The recent terror attacks in Jammu may restrain India from considering high-level participation in the SCO meeting.
  • India sees the SCO as playing an important role for regional security, but is hesitant to send a high-level delegation to Pakistan.
  • The SAARC summit process has remained stalled for eight years due to India's concerns over Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism.

Statistics:

  • 2016: The last time Pakistan attempted to host the SAARC summit, but was thwarted by India's refusal to participate.
  • 2015: The last time an Indian foreign minister visited Pakistan, followed by the Pathankot airbase attack.
  • 2023: The year when India was represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the SCO heads of government meeting in Bishkek.
  • 8 years: The length of time the SAARC summit process has remained stalled due to India's concerns over Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism.

Sources:

  • Jaishankar, S. (2023, Friday). Quote at book release.
  • Ministry of External Affairs (2023, Friday). Official confirmation of Pakistan's invitation to PM Modi for SCO meeting.
  • Times of India (2023, August 25). Pakistan invites PM Modi for SCO heads of gov't meeting in Islamabad in October.
  • Times of India (2016, ABORTIVE BID). Pakistan attempts to host SAARC summit, but is refused by India.
  • Times of India (2015). India expresses concerns over Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism.

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